Mary Calise, a 21-year-old Lansdale native, was simply going about her normal Sunday habit of walking with her best friend Mena to Shelly’s Bakery from her home on Fifth Street. That Sunday they ended up at Mena’s brother-in-law’s around dinner time.

In a flurry of Sunday evening energy, Joe got Mary out of her normal routine of helping to feed her six younger siblings, and the 20-somethings drove to Willow Grove Park.

“We rode rides, and Joe treated me to a hot dog and cotton candy,” Mary said. “He also made a date for that Wednesday.”

They dated for awhile, then Joe was drafted into the Army during World War II.

Luckily he never saw combat, but due to his background as a barber, Joe entered the medical corps. To secure a barber’s license at the time you needed to study anatomy, the sinuses, and bleeding, which helped qualify him for a medical position.

Since Joe was stationed in Texas then Florida, the couple decided to do their own thing.

Mary had another boyfriend, and Joe started seeing another Mary.

About four years after they met, leading up to Valentine’s Day, Joe found himself trying to decide between his two Marys.

Needless to say, he chose his hometown girl Mary Calise, and sent her a Valentine.

“It was very simple and said, ‘Thinking of you,’” Mary said. “He was a bashful, quiet young fella, so the Valentine was bold.”

Mary, surprised to receive a Valentine from Joe, since she hadn’t heard from him in awhile, anticipated his Army furlough or break when he returned home.

Upon his return, things accelerated quickly. During the 21 days of Joe’s furlough, the couple rekindled their romance and married.

“Mary’s father was relieved when I asked for her hand,” Joe said. “He said he was ready for her to be finished getting taken out by different guys.”

Joe’s own father resisted at first, but Joe told him, “I almost lost her the first time, you’re not going to let me lose her again!!”

The couple’s parents teamed up and made a large wedding happen before Joe needed to return to Panama City, Florida.

The Sandones somehow got Father Shade at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church to allow a Sunday wedding because of the time constraints, but Father Shade said they had to have the party outside of Lansdale, since Sundays were traditionally a day of worship.

The proper military wedding on Sunday, June 21, 1942 was followed by a reception at an Italian social club in Philadelphia. Joe’s aunt, who owned a dress shop, outfitted Mary in a beautiful wedding dress.

After the wedding, Mary moved to Panama City, Florida, while Joe continued to serve.

In addition to boxing for recreation, while in the Army, Joe dealt with some of the most traumatized soldiers injured in war.

Once, an injured soldier, mentally struggling with what was at the time called “shell shock” but now known as PTSD, attacked Joe, strangling him while refusing to take medications to calm him down.

“I’ve never hit anyone harder,” Joe said. “I was scared for my life and had to fight back.”

Luckily, other soldiers were able to pull the angry man off of him.

In Florida, Mary had their first child, Maryanne. Shortly after Mary found out she was pregnant again, Joe was told he was being restationed to Australia.

Another lucky draw, Joe ended up getting to stay in the United States because of his medical expertise.

Mary still moved home and had their second child, Anthony, while Joe finished his service.

“I will always remember when he returned home and coming up the stairs at 30th Street station with all the soldiers he winked at me,” Mary said. “I thought I was having a heat flash!”

The couple settled in Lansdale in 1945 and have lived in the area ever since, after having their third child Linda.

Their children all attended St. Stanislaus for grade school and Lansdale Catholic for High School. Eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and nearly 73 years of marriage later, the Sandones are still as in love at age 96.

When asked what has kept their marriage strong and happy for so many years, they both expressed their appreciation for the other.

“She’s a wonderful wife that does everything and anything she can to help me,” Joe said of Mary.

And, even after all these years, Joe still gives Mary a Valentine.

A red velvet Valentine heart shaped box filled with Hershey kisses sat on their coffee table while they shared their story.

If you are a part of or know a couple with many years of marriage who would like to share their story, reach out to Jennifer Connor, Community Engagement Editor at jconnor@thereporteronline.com or on Twitter @Journalist_Jen.